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Retailer addresses climate change

5 Jun 2008

The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is “Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.” The UN recognises that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era and has asked countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. World Environment Day is a United Nations (UN) initiative that aims to focus worldwide attention on the environment.

Woolworths is affirming its commitment to reducing the businesses' carbon footprint in honour of World Environment Day today, 5 June 2008.

The company has committed to reducing the relative amount of carbon produced directly by the business by 30% by 2012.

Reducing relative transport emissions by 20% by 2012

To minimise the business' impact it does the following:
• Sources product regionally, wherever possible, and the bulk of food, clothing and general merchandise from local suppliers.
• Uses a 5% biofuel mix in delivery vehicles that is produced from used cooking oil, and aims to lower fuel usage per distribution unit.
• Reduces the distances required to distribute stock by positioning distribution centres strategically.

Reducing relative electricity usage by 30% by 2012

The company is currently using relatively 5% less electricity this year compared to last year and the business is aiming to use relatively 10% less electricity by the end of the year.

Electricity-saving initiatives include:

• Changing all light fittings to energy-efficient units
• Using only electronic ballasts
• Managing lighting and air-conditioning usage
• Installing automated light switching equipment
• Conducting awareness programs among staff
• None of the company's stand-alone stores have air-conditioning, except in KZN, where it is necessary to control humidity
• Installing energy-efficient refrigeration systems in stores and depots
• Displaying frozen foods in closed cabinets
• Using ‘waste heat' from the refrigeration process to maintain comfortable trading conditions
• A pilot program using new refrigerant technology is being rolled out to all new stores going forward
• In building design, using natural ventilation and cross-ventilation with openable windows
• Using natural light
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Solar water heating
• Recycling heat used in refrigeration processes to warm trading and office areas
• Working with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint, and constantly testing new concepts aimed at reducing energy usage
• Supporting ‘greening projects'
• Committing to planting 17 000 trees by 2012, one for each employee. The first 800 trees, of an initial planting of 1000 trees, were sourced from a Woolworths Trust EduPlant school nursery in Tembisa, have been planted at our Midrand Distribution campus as part of an ongoing greening project.